Nadal fist-pumps way into US Open last 16

Nadal said the wrist, which helps generate all of that heavy topspin on his uppercut of a lefty forehand, still feels pain but noted that it’s “something that is not limiting my game now”.

Rafael Nadal of Spain gestures after winning a game against Andrey Kuznetsov of Russian Federation (not pictured) on day five of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Baker-Daniell converted two of the four break points received to comfortably pocket the first set.

Bopanna-Nielsen relinquished grip on the first in just 30 minutes at court number 6. Against Kuznetsov, Nadal produced 15 of his 22 winners with forehands. His serve began to fail him with five double-faults, and his first-serve percentage dropped to 50, but he was able to get away with it because Kuznetsov failed to capitalize.

Of his own world No. 5 ranking, he said: “Sometimes I can play better than the No. 5, sometimes I can play much worse than the No. 5”. I practised with him a couple of times and I played with him a long time ago. The Russian continued to fight early in the third set but began to look agitated as his erratic mistakes resulted in missed opportunities and Nadal closed out the match in style.

The final point of the match was a sight to behold.

The record crowd of 25,006 – which included Italian footballing legend Andrea Pirlo – were at least treated to the point of the tournament in the last game, Nadal somehow managing to throw up a tweener lob through his legs with his back to the court before winning the point to the delight of the packed stadium. In the victory, Pouille won 69 percent of his first serve points and 52 percent of his second serve points.

Of his last-16 opponent, French 24th seed Lucas Pouille, Nadal said he was a very young and complete player, and he would have to prepare well and play his best.

There are still areas of Nadal’s game that needs to be cleaned up. Now he is playing like he wants even more hardware. The Spaniard had another easy service game, not letting Kuznetsov get any kind of rhythm and dictating points from the outset as he rushes to a 5-0 lead.

Based on Friday’s performance, Nadal is looking like he wants something more than fourth in NY.